How a general labor job can get you into the construction industry

April 11, 2021

Perhaps you lost your last job thanks to the pandemic. During the quarantine, maybe you were on unemployment and did odd jobs on the side.

Well, the pandemic seems to be coming to an end—and you’re wondering what role you should play in the reviving U.S. economy.

Have you considered construction?

A lot of people haven’t considered construction as a career opportunity. Either they somehow got the idea that the pay is poor or they lacked enough construction experience—or both.

But now is a great time to get into construction—even if you have minimal experience.

“Everything just shut down during the pandemic,” said Jimmy Greene, president of Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan. “There is a huge backlog of projects that were put on hold until things turned around—and now they’re turning around. It’s the perfect time to get into construction.”

There is an option if you don’t have much construction experience. You could start out as a general laborer. Construction laborers handle a range of tasks on a construction site. For example:

Preparing ground ahead of actual construction
Mixing and pouring concrete
Laying drainage pipes
Moving materials
Digging trenches for foundations
Fixing scaffolding and building frames
Assisting bricklayers, carpenters, and other colleagues on-site by providing materials
Marking out the area for the site using string lines and putting up barriers and safety signs
Operating hand machinery, such as drills, pumps, and compressors
Operating heavy machinery, such as excavators and dump trucks

You don’t need any special training to be a laborer. Desirable skills:

A good level of physical fitness
A head for heights
An ability to understand instructions and carry them out
A general understanding of health and safety issues
Good attitude
Dependable, on time

The nice thing about being a laborer is that they’re needed throughout a construction project, from laying the foundation to painting, so you’d get a look at all the trades. Because they are exposed to a large variety of tasks and types of work, general laborers frequently develop a wide base of knowledge that encompasses all areas of construction to build on when/if they decide to specialize.

Find the one that’s a perfect fit for you. Here’s a partial list:

Carpenter
Carpet layer
Dredger
Electrician
Fencer
Glazier
Heavy equipment operator
HVAC technician
Insulation installer
Ironworker
Lineman
Mason
Millwright
Painter
Pile driver
Pipefitter
Plasterer
Plumber
Roofer
Sheet metal worker
Welder

From there, you’d catch the eye of the contractor or subcontractor with your work ethic as a laborer and they’d put you through a two-year apprenticeship program. When you’re a journeyman, you’ll be making great money—and your future will be secure.

We’re in the middle of a huge shortage of skilled tradespeople. Most tradespeople are near retirement, and high school kids aren’t focusing on the trades after graduation. They’re focusing on a four-year degree as the key to success—so there won’t be enough people to fill those vacancies.

“The skilled trades are a fantastic career choice right now,” said Jimmy.

With more experience, you could move into a more senior role, such as a site supervisor, team leader, or construction manager.

Alternatively, you could set yourself up as a self-employed contractor.

So what’s your first step? A great way to get your foot in the door of construction if you have no experience is as a general laborer through a staffing agency. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Think about it. A job with a low stress level; good work-life balance; and solid prospects to improve, get promoted, and earn a higher salary

The Department of Labor notes that those with a military background have great prospects in this line of work because contractors are always seeking applicants who are in excellent physical shape, have strong math skills, and can work well with people.

“If you want an industry that’s on the upswing, that’s construction,” Jimmy said. “The future is bright for construction.”

Okay, you got that general laborer job? What’s next: You may like:

Everything you need to know to become a welder

Everything you need to know to become a plumber

Everything you need to know to become an electrician

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A group of construction workers wearing hard hats and safety vests are smiling.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Urban Commercial Construction

March 27, 2024

Urban commercial construction brings a whole set of challenges that contractors in the suburbs and rural areas never have to consider. But revitalization is extremely important for urban cores to survive and thrive, so these projects can be quite lucrative. Here are some common difficulties, along with tips to overcome them and remain on good terms with the neighbors. Tight Spaces In urban areas, there simply isn’t as much space to move around. You might have difficulty getting some of your heavy machinery to fit, or your subcontractors could be trying to paint an apartment the size of an average broom closet. Rise to the challenge by thinking outside the box. Carefully survey the entire space before you get started, and develop a detailed project plan in advance. Be sure to include entry and egress routes, alternative ways of getting things done, and even subcontractor schedules that minimize the number of people working in the same space at the same time. Local Regulations Many urban areas have byzantine construction regulations that are confusing and hard to follow. Take the time to research these regulations and understand what you need to do. Then, boil it all down into a simple, easy-to-read document that you distribute to everyone involved. Get to know the local authorities and find someone whom you can call whenever you have questions or concerns. Make sure your team members are ready to pivot if you find out that you missed or misinterpreted something significant. Always have a backup plan. Community Engagement Transparency can go a long way toward getting the local community on your side. Let people know what you’re working on and how it will benefit them. Explain why the project is happening, how long it will take, and whether it will impact their costs (such as taxes). If you’re redeveloping a historic building, be especially sensitive to the concerns of preservationists and meet with them separately to explain your plans. Noise Control You won’t endear yourself to the local community if you’re making a lot of noise when residents are trying to sleep. And remember, even if you’re working on an office building, there could be luxury apartments right next door. Use sound baffling measures to reduce noise. Whenever possible, work during daylight hours. Minimizing Disruptions No matter how careful you are, urban commercial construction projects are inherently disruptive to the neighborhood. But you can mitigate this with careful planning. Try not to block streets during morning or evening rush hours. Be considerate of any upcoming local events. Do your best not to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic patterns. When you do need to create a blockage, be sure to put up signage and work as quickly as you can without compromising safety. Need a Skilled Trade Professional? At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services, and then contact us today!